Overview
- Animal shelters report disrupted operations, with Flensburg closing to the public during icy conditions and Hamburg preparing for a new snow front as staff focus on clearing paths.
- Facilities in Kiel and Lübeck cite higher energy and veterinary costs, increased intake of sick or abandoned animals, and more undercooled wildlife including hedgehogs and city pigeons.
- Hamburg’s return to road-salt use has shelter leaders warning about paw-pad damage, prompting staff to emphasize on-site paw protection and safer walking areas.
- Veterinary and welfare experts urge short, frequent walks, paw balms before outings, and rinsing with lukewarm water afterward, with coats or booties recommended for vulnerable dogs.
- Owners are advised to provide warm, dry hideouts for outdoor cats, clean feline paws after outings, and watch for ‘snow gastritis’ from eating snow, seeking a vet if symptoms persist beyond a day.